Major: Paralegal Studies
Cameron Labedis has always been interested in politics and history.
After initially attending College of DuPage, he transferred to Illinois State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in History. His interest in law and becoming a paralegal was piqued when his best friend began law school.
“We talked about his classes and what he was learning. That in turn made me want to enter law,” he said.
Because of his familiarity with COD, Labedis turned to the school and discovered the Paralegal Studies program, which is approved by the American Bar Association. The quality of the program, as well as evening class offerings and its convenient location, made COD a logical choice.
What Labedis found was a supportive environment that helped him meet his educational and career goals.
“Each professor helped me along my educational path through both teaching and mentoring,” he said. “Beyond the classes themselves, I received advice from many of my professors and they were always approachable. The Paralegal Club helped me learn what it is like to perform the day-to-day functions of a paralegal. It also introduced me to many different areas of the law and provided a lot of advice regarding working for a firm.”
Each professor helped me along my educational path through both teaching and mentoring.
Cameron Labedis
He also received a grant through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, a federally funded program to assist unemployed and underemployed individuals in returning to the workforce. The WIOA funding helped him afford his return to school.
Having earned his Paralegal Studies certificate, Labedis would like to continue taking classes and attending seminars to increase his knowledge as well as join paralegal associations to network and to grow. As for his career, he would like to work in public law helping the public, whether for a branch of the federal government or a non-governmental organization that addresses a social issue.
“I’d also like to volunteer my time at a legal aid society helping those with little or no access to legal help,” he said.
For students entering the Paralegal Studies program, Labedis said the best approach is to stay organized.
“The Paralegal program at COD required a level of organization I had not encountered thus far. It is very easy to fall behind if you do not stay on top of reading and assignments,” he said. “Considering I was working 40-plus hours a week the entire time I was in the program, staying organized was the key to my success.
“The Paralegal Studies program and the faculty have been great. The professors I have been taught and mentored by are some of the best professors, and people, I have ever met.”
Learn more about the Paralegal Studies program at College of DuPage